How do I contact PaCER about PaCER research options?

Is this legitimate research?

PaCER research has a strong co-design process before the final protocol is written and this means shorter ethics approvals and more refined focus and methods. We use a participatory classical grounded theory method with interactive data/analysis cycles to ensure that data is interrogated and leads to working theory. The data collection methods are carefully tested but original and tailored to the topic and the population with unique data collection methods developed where needed. The research is lead by experienced PaCERs and overseen by university faculty in concert with PaCER leads. Data collection and analysis is continued until findings are coherent and practical with theory based recommendations. Classical grounded theory was chosen because it is particularly useful in novel situations and when understanding of social organization and experience intersect. It enables the use of a variety of methods including quantitative methods to fully explore the question.

How does experience research relate to health research?

We study patient experience from a number of perspectives, in situ, through in-depth qualitative and narrative interviews and group research methods. Experience is best understood when these different perspectives are used. The collective patient research voice can be used in a number of ways to inform research direction and health care practice. For example, the development of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs), using common stories to introduce quality improvement or changes to practice, informing patient education and self management. Only patients know about how to maximize health in the face of chronic health problems and only patients understand the complexity of navigating the silos of health care.

Is a contract required?

How much does PaCER research cost?

The costs are determined according to the services requested, the number of locations and number of data collection methods. Research projects begin at $20,000 and average $30,000. PaCER provides assistance in including PaCER projects within grants.

What costs are not included?

Researchers prefer to cover travel, food, equipment costs within their own funding systems. Ethics proposals are generally handled by PI with input from PaCER leads. We have an Ethics specialist to handle ethics proposals if this is needed but the costs are additional to the research costs. Publication costs are not covered by PaCER.

Can I publish the results of PaCER work?

Yes, we provide a final report that can be used as the basis for publication if that is identified. The PI is responsible for choosing the journal and writing the introduction, literature review and discussion to meet journal requirements. The method and patient engagement research has been well received to date and we commit to publication.

What do most people do with their research?

The implementation phase of the research has grown in importance, particularly as we are introducing research supports to bridge between patient engagement research to standardized questionnaires, co-design of quality improvement and ape, and social change. This is because the working theory generated by participatory grounded theory is practical and leads naturally to implementation.